in pakistan. i commended the hard work and sacrifice of the pakistan security forces attacking violent extremism in the northwest of the country. but as the prime minister said in his statement, the situation in pakistan continues to be serious. there is a danger to the british government -- which should be welcomed at all sides. will not have that effect in pakistan. i ask him, therefore, what steps he's taking in putting forth counterterrorism in pakistan at the heart of our relationship with the pakistan government. mr. speaker, we all want to see british troops come home at the earliest opportunity. but we also want to see the campaign concluded in a way that ensures their service and sacrifice has not been in vain. and that afghanistan and the wider region move into a stable future rather than once again hold posing a serious threat to our security and that to other countries around the world. so i welcome today's statement and i thank the prime minister. i will work with him on afghanistan,